porro classes in medellin
Porro dancing is a traditional Colombian dance that has been an important part of the country’s cultural heritage for generations.
Porro originated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, especially in the departments of Córdoba and Sucre. It is a vibrant, energetic tropical dance that is deeply connected to cumbia, fandango, and other folkloric rhythms, and is considered a subgenre of Colombian cumbia. Historically, porro was performed during festivals, celebrations, and social gatherings, accompanied by live orchestras or marching bands known as "papayeras." The dance has evolved over time, gaining recognition in other regions of Colombia, including Medellín, where it is now taught and danced both socially and in performances.
To preserve and celebrate Colombian folkloric dances, DANCEFREE offers private and group porro classes in Medellín. DANCEFREE’s private porro classes are 7 days a week, subject to availability. Currently, our group porro classes are not on a regular schedule, so it is necessary to stay tuned to our calendar for dance classes. Porro classes give students the opportunity to learn traditional steps, rhythm, and stylistic elements; and learning porro, which has some similarity to Brazilian forro, broadens your ability to participate in Medellín social activities. For example, porro is one of the primary genres heard and danced to by people of all ages at Medellín viejotecas. Medellín and its surrounding areas, such as Caldas and Bello, have some fantastic porro dancers who are a pleasure to watch and inspire you to learn to dance porro. Porro has many moves and combinations that expand as you gain experience and learn to better connnect with and give suble indications to your partner, and Medellín has some great porro instructors. Immersing yourself in porro is a great way to meet locals and enjoy an authentic Colombian experience.
Here is some basic information about porro, to get you started:
Porro music is played in 2/4 or 4/4 time signatures, creating a lively and dynamic rhythm.
The dance features a mix of quick, sharp footwork and flowing body movements, with dancers moving in sync with the rhythm.
The leader typically starts with the left foot, while the follower starts with the right foot.
The porro basic uses the same quinta or fifth position (stepping with one foot behind the other foot) that is taken from ballet and is the foundation of Colombian style salsa.
Porro can be danced in an open or closed position, allowing for a combination of structured movements and improvisation.
Traditional porro music features instruments such as brass horns, drums, maracas, tambora, clarinet, and güiro, giving it a rich and festive sound.
Some of the most well-known porro orchestras and artists include Lucho Bermúdez, Pacho Galán, Juancho Torres, and Banda 13 de Enero.
Porro remains an essential part of Colombian cultural celebrations, including the Festival Nacional del Porro in San Pelayo, Córdoba, where dancers and musicians gather to showcase their talents.
DANCEFREE offers private porro classes in person in Medellín, Colombia, and online via Zoom and Google Meet. Our in-person classes are available 7 days a week, while our online classes are on weekdays only, subject to availability. We have experienced porro instructors who teach students at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced dancers. If you would like to take private porro classes, click here to view the steps for beginning private classes.